Verascope - Antique and Vintage Cameras

Verascope

1895

Original model

J. Richard

Paris

France

Image of Verascope Original model

Lens:
Two, f8, c. 55 mm rapid rectilinear. Fixed aperture.

Shutter:
Single-blade guillotine with capping blade. T and I setting.

Construction:
Blued metal body.

Format:
Two exposures on 45 x 107 mm plates held in a changing box, push-pull mechanism.

Focusing:
Fixed.

Attributes:
Reflecting view-finder. Opaque sighting spot with cross hairs.
Removable changing box with manual counter.

Serial Number:
4818 .

With:
A box of 25 diapositives marked "Diapostifs du Verascope Richard". On the lid of the box is a drawing showing this model of Verascope. Case.

The Original model can be identified by the view-finder which superimposes a bright spot on the field of view. The Original model was produced until 1900 when the spot view-finder was replaced by a direct-vision version.

The Verascope introduced the 45 x 107 mm format and started a long line of similar stereo cameras that were still in production in the 1930s. Many different models were produced with a variety of top-quality lenses. Larger sizes of 6 x 13 cm and 7 x 13 cm were also made.

References & Notes:
BP 10064/1893. BJA 1899, pp. 1111, 888. Lothrop, Century, p. 87.

Verascope

Model 6B

J. Richard

Paris

France

Image of Verascope Model 6B

Lens:
Two, f4.5, 55 mm Krauss-Zeiss Tessar. Sliding stops: f4.5, f6.3, f8. Serial no. 92962 92942 .

Shutter:
Single-blade guillotine with capping blade. T and I setting.

Construction:
Blued metal body.

Format:
Two exposures on 45 x 107 mm plates held in a changing box, push-pull mechanism.

Focusing:
Fixed.

Attributes:
Reflecting view-finder. Direct-vision view-finder.
Two spirit levels. Rising front. Fitting for Autochrome filters behind the lens.
Removable changing box with automatic counter.

Serial Number:
11528 .

Notes:
Engraved with the retailer's name London Stereoscopic Co. Ltd, London, 3 Hanover Sq.

With:

  • Second magazine, serial no. 23413.
  • Two short sheaths for magazine. These fit into the magazine when fitted to the camera and the large sheath (draw slide) is removed.
  • Roll-film back. For 38 mm wide paper-backed roll-film, serial no. 33627 411. Glass pressure plate which is released when advancing the film. Probably Kodak size 35 for the No. 00 Cartridge Premo.
  • Dark slide adapter.
  • Set of three close-up lenses (I, II and III) on sliding panel, serial no. 2966. Purse.
  • Case for camera with magazine back. Case for camera with dark slide adapter.
  • Chassis Alterneur. Transposing Frame.

This example dates to the early 1920s, several models were available in the 45 x 107 mm size at this time with differing features, these include:

  • 2 Rapid rectilinear lenses
  • 2 Sapphire lenses
  • 3S Sapphire lenses
  • 4S f8 Sapphire lenses. Rising front. Shutter speeds: 1/25 - 1/100
  • 6BL f4.5 Lascour-Berthiot lenses. Rising front. Chronomos 6-speed shutter (1/5 - 1/150)
  • 6A f6.3 Tessar lenses
  • 6S f6.3 Sapphire lenses
  • 6B As 6BL but with f4.5 Tessar lenses
  • -- As 6BL but with f4.5 Sapphire lenses
  • 7B As 6BL but with fittings for Autochrome. Cunctator delayed action included
  • 7A As 7B but with f4.5 Tessar lenses
  • 7S As 7B but with f4.5 Sapphire lenses
  • 8A f4.5 Tessar lenses. 1/400 shutter speed
  • 8S f4.5 Sapphire lenses. 1/400 shutter speed
Focusing models were introduced in the mid 1920s.

Many accessories were produced for use with the camera including roll-film backs, printers, enlargers and viewers.

References & Notes:
BJA 1925, p. 573. BJA 1926, p. 564

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